Pagosa Springs High School golfers Reyes McInnis (junior) and Drew Mackey (senior) may not have fared as well as they would have liked at last week’s state tournament, but they did something no Pirate golfer was able to do last year despite a rough season — qualify for the tournament.

It was also the first time since 2003 that multiple golfers represented PSHS at the state level (four qualified in 2003).

The two-day tournament took place at the Dos Rios Golf Club in Gunnison Oct. 3 and 4, and featured 83 3A golfers from around the state.

Coach Mark Faber described the course as “technical,” explaining that it required skills that come later to golfers — strong distance and direction control.

“They tried hard,” Faber said. “It was a tough course for these kids, and the reason I say that is you had to be very precise.”

At the conclusion of first day of the tournament, McInnis ranked 78th and Mackey rounded out the competitors at 83rd.

On the day, McInnis shot a 96 (25 over par), including one birdie, par on four holes, five bogeys and four double bogeys.

Mackey ended the day with a 103 (32 over par), and carded par on three holes, five bogeys and five double bogeys.

Unfortunately, the two Pirate golfers were unable to change their rankings by the end of the tournament.

Adding to the difficulties presented by the course, Faber said a 45-minute lightning and rain delay affected the tournament’s competitors.

Weather aside, McInnis shot par on three holes, six bogeys and four double bogeys, carding a 104 on the day.

McInnis finished the tournament with a 200, 58 over the total par of 142.

“What a great experience for him,” Faber said of the junior, who is expected to return to the team next year. “It will absolutely give him a reason to work harder through the summer and the next year.”

Faber said he believes McInnis has the ability to make a return appearance at the tournament next year.

Mackey, on the second day, shot a 110, including one birdie (on the last hole of the course), par on one hole, four bogeys and three double bogeys.

Mackey finished the tournament with a 213, 71 over par.

Mackey has played on the golf team all four years of his high school career.

“I’m sorry he didn’t play better. He could have; they both could have,” Faber said. “But what an awesome experience to get to go to a state tournament.”

Despite their standings at the end of the tournament, Faber said both McInnis and Mackey had great attitudes throughout the tournament, adding that he could not have asked for two better kids to take to the tournament.